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ESPN writes- A very productive college linebacker, Laurinaitis has excellent instincts and he rarely gets caught out of position. He also projects as a three-down linebacker because of his strong skills in coverage and as a pass-rusher. However, his stock dipped this year because film evaluations revealed his problems getting off blocks. He simply makes too many plays three or four yards downfield.
This will be last pick to pick post. I may make comment on individual selections, particularly those of the Miami Dolphins.
New England finally makes their first draft selection after twice trading down.
Back to back safeties taken. This one has an interesting family background. Chong’s bi-racial. Chinese and Jamaican.
ESPN writes- Chung is not a great cover safety; he isn’t fluid or explosive enough to match up with NFL slot receivers in man coverage. He doesn’t have elite ball skills, either. On the other hand, Chung is a tough run-stopper who can deliver the big hit. He also has enough range to cover the deep half of the field.
ESPN writes- There aren’t many things Delmas can’t do. His greatest strength is his instincts. He reads keys, locates the ball quickly and gets to it quickly. He’s capable of delivering a big hit or playing the ball over the middle. The one concern with him is that he played at a relatively small school, but he showed at the Senior Bowl that he can compete with the big boys.
The first round closes with the pick by the defending Super Bowl champions.
ESPN writes- Although Hood plays with a mean streak he lacks ideal lower-body strength, so he has some problems holding up when teams run at him when he?s lined up on the inside. That said, he’s big and strong enough to set the edge as a 5-technique in a 3-4 scheme. He also has the quickness and motor to get to the quarterback on occasion.
ESPN expects a running back to be chosen here. Arizona had one of the worst rushing attacks in the league last year. ESPN was correct.
ESPN writes- Wells possess a rare combination of size, speed and balance as a runner. He is one of the most talented prospects at any position in this year’s draft, but we have concerns about his durability and his mental toughness.
Another wide receiver. Did Miami make a mistake by not taking one with the 25th pick?
ESPN writes- Britt has a nice blend of size, hands and better-than-expected top-end speed. Although he’s a bit raw in his route-running Britt has the potential to develop into the big-play wideout the Titans desperately need.
A good receiver for a team with a need at the position.
ESPN writes- Nicks gained 14 pounds between the combine and his pro day and that is reason for concern. However, we still believe he has the ability to make an immediate contribution. He doesn’t have great initial quickness, but he shows good footwork getting in and out of his breaks, and he isn’t going to get pushed around by corners. Nicks also flashes fly-trap hands and the ability to make spectacular catches. His catch during the Meineke Car Care Bowl was one of the year’s most impressive.
Acquired in the Jason Peters trade from Philadelphia(who got the pick from Carolina). Two centers in the first round. When did that last happen?
ESPN writes- At 310 pounds Wood has ideal size for a center and the strength to hold his own when nose tackles line up over his head. He also does a good of getting into position and covering up linebackers. Although he lacks ideal lateral mobility Wood shows good footwork and uses his hands well in pass protection.
The first Connecticut Huskie to ever go in the first round?
ESPN writes- There’s a fine line between patience and hesitation for running backs and Brown does an excellent job of straddling that line. He reads his blocks extremely well, hits holes as they open and reads the flow of defenses well. There are some questions about his pass-catching ability but we believe he’s going to develop into an excellent receiver, especially after watching him catch and track the ball during UConn’s pro day.
ESPN expected New England to trade down this pick they got from Baltimore. They did- To Green Bay. Matthews is the third USC player to go in the 1st round.
ESPN writes- Matthews possesses great versatility. He has excellent range against the run along with the fluid change of direction to make him one of this draft’s best coverage linebackers. He has also improved his ability to bend as a rusher off the edge, not to mention the oustanding value he brings on special teams.
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